Chapter 123 - Chapter 123: Chapter 123: Courting Favor

Chapter 123: Chapter 123: Courting Favor

Translator: 549690339

As such, any activities that required the use of soil such as house building, pigsty construction, stove masonry… specifically meant digging from this wasteland. Over time, the place was dug into a large pit. In the summer, if the rain was abundant, it would turn into a pond, overrun with wild grass and small trees, progressively becoming more neglected.

This land, left unwanted and uncared for, was void of any ownership disputes. Exactly as Zhuang Jingye mentioned, the land was extensive. If the tofu shop ever needed to expand, it was conveniently close to Mrs. Wen’s.

“Village chief truly picked an excellent location.” Zhuang Qingning kept nodding with a smile, saying: “Thank you, village chief, for keeping me in mind.”

“Why be so formal. As the village chief, I look after all the villagers. Isn’t it my duty to do these things for the benefit of the villagers?”

Zhuang Jingye furrowed his brows and said: “However, if we attempted to fill this pit, it would indeed be troublesome. Typically, you haven’t aided others much so now, when you ask others to help, presumably, they won’t assist. Whether filling the pit or building a house, it ends up being a nuisance.”

When it comes to house building in the village, proper manpower from other families is required. Skilled in masonry come to build walls, while others help transport materials and perform lesser tasks required to raise the house.

This practice involves mutual help. Today, others come to my aid, tomorrow, when you need help, I’d repay the favor. In the long run, no family would be at a loss, nor would any take advantage.

But in the case of Zhuang Qingning who has never offered help, she had never seen such tasks on previous occasions either. Well before her parents’ time, since they had often worked for people in the town, they seldom took part in such tasks in the village. And now, there might be more people willing to help Zhuang Ruman, whose reputation is not so great, than to help Zhuang Qingning.

“True, that…”

Zhuang Qingning frowned slightly.

Indeed, it was somewhat complicated, it seemed that she would have to pay to hire people to do the job.

Asking people to do work needs to be compensated. Zhuang Qingning found this fair and proper.

“So I was thinking, would this be a solution?”

Zhuang Jingye said, “Filling this pit is indeed strenuous work, if you’re thinking about hiring someone to do it for you, it might not be possible. You might have to spend money on this. If you’re willing, I could find some reliable people to get the job done.”

“As for the house-building part, at that time, I can help recruit people. They should manage their own lunch, but make sure to take care of their tea throughout the day. You’d just need to make provision for the necessary things like blue bricks, timber and such.”

“If you don’t understand these things, I could help oversee that too, and go to the right places to buy these materials. This way, you, as a young girl, won’t be easily cheated and duped.”

Listening to his words, Zhuang Qingning couldn’t help but tilt her head and even glance at the sky.

Right, the sun still rose from the east.

But Zhuang Jingye’s words, made him sound quite unusual.

In the past, it wasn’t as if Zhuang Jingye detested her, but his attitude was definitely not of liking. After all, as a young girl who has established their own household, enduring the prejudice in a male-dominated world was a commonplace. Moreover, she was more like an ever-alert hedgehog, Zhuang Jingye constantly expressed his urge for her to be less aggressive and inviting fewer troubles.

And now, eagerly looking to pick a land for her, and even offering help with her house-building…

Zhuang Qingning felt that this was absolutely not due to pity towards her as a young girl.

“Village chief.” Zhuang Qingning cleared her throat, “I am a straightforward person. I am quite dim-witted most of the times. If there’s anything on your mind, please get to the point.”

With all these generous offers, she had reason to believe that Zhuang Jingye had other matters to discuss.

“Ahem…this matter….”

His scheme being discovered, Zhuang Jingye gave an awkward laugh, “What am I saying, as the village chief I should naturally take care of everyone in the village. You don’t have an adult in your family, so me helping you out is only right…”

“Village chief, I should head back if there’s nothing else. It’s about lunchtime, I haven’t even made any food,” Zhuang Qingning rose to walk back towards her courtyard.

“Hey…” Zhuang Jingye hastily stopped her, continuing, “Alright, might as well tell you. I did come looking for you about a matter.”

“Village chief, please speak freely.”

“A few days ago your aunt bought tofu from your shop, I tasted it and it was really good, better than any tofu I’ve had before. Your tofu shop is doing well, and I’m sure the business will grow even bigger in the future.”

Zhuang Jingye rubbed his hands together, speaking in a low voice, “I won’t keep it from you, while I’m on board with helping you out with these things, I do have a vested interest. I, as the village chief, usually have a five-year tenure. It’s been more than three years now. Although the village has been peaceful and trouble free, there aren’t any remarkable changes I could show for it.” “Nowadays, the county head says that peace in villages is not enough. The common people must prosper and enjoy a good life. But it shouldn’t be at the expense of becoming corrupt, greedy businesses exploiting hardworking people. I thought our tofu shop might work, the beans are grown in our village, the workers are our villagers, even the shop’s owned by a villager. The earnings from selling tofu are legitimate and above board, leaving no room for fault.”

“So I thought if I could help sort out your household issue, you could concentrate more on expanding the tofu business. However, I can’t help for free. You should pay whatever is due and prepare all necessary materials. I’ll just play a supportive role. In the future, the beans needed for the tofu shop and the workers hired should all come from our village, and the prices must be fair and reasonable.”

“In this way, as you earn more, other families will have work and a place to sell their beans. Life in our village will improve, the taxes sent upwards will also increase. It will be a win for me and good for my reputation.”

Most importantly, with all these, his position as the village chief can be held long term, and his son working at the government office would gain more respect.

Zhuang Qingning raised her brows.

So, Zhuang Jingye’s willingness to help with her housing situation was for his own political achievements.

Seeing Zhuang Qingning not reacting, Zhuang Jingye interpreted this as hesitation and continued persuading her, “Look, this way you won’t be at a loss either. The village could earn money alongside you, and be more willing to help. As the saying goes, the tall tree catches the wind. Once your tofu shop booms, others will surely be envious, and there will be those with ill intentions. But the village can back you up..”